Richard Lee Nading, Sr., 72, of Grain Valley, Missouri, died Tuesday, April 29, 2025 at Centerpoint Hospital surrounded by his loving family.  Richard was born on December 3, 1952 at St. Mary’s Hospital, Kansas City, Mo. to Ralph and Irma Nading. 

After completing his journey through the Grain Valley School System, Richard married Ruth Ellen Farmer on May 21, 1971.  This marriage resulted in two children.  Richard enlisted in the Missouri National Guard on June 30, 1972 and later was called to active duty in the United States Army serving in Germany.  Richard received his Honorable Discharge on September 9, 1975. Richard’s love of the outdoors had a tremendous influence on his choice of careers.  He was very proud to be a member of the International Union of Operating Engineers #101 in Kansas City.  During his career he operated large equipment such as backhoes and track hoes.  He had the opportunity to work for several of the major construction companies in the metropolitan area.  His love of the outdoors also allowed him to do two of his favorite activities, hunting and fishing.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Irma; brother Bennie Nading, sister Dorothy McCreight and brother Gary Pittman. 

He is survived by his two children, Angelia Hand (David) and Richard Lee Nading, Jr (Robin); sister Linda Douglas, sister Cinda Reeder (Mike); brother Ralph Nading Jr. (Bettie); Michael Nading (Debbi) and sister Jacqueline Moody (Randy).  Richard was blessed with 8 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews and many, many friends.

Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, May 6^th at the Royer Funeral Home, 100 Royer Lane, Grain Valley, MO.  Visitation will begin at 10:00 am with Services at 11:00 am.  Burial and Military Honors will be held following the service at Grain Valley Cemetery located at 4805 S. Seymour Rd., Grain Valley, Mo. In Lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Grain Valley Cemetery Association.

Obituary submitted by family.

Arrangements: Royer Funeral Home Grain Valley, MO 64075 816-847-4441

Martha (Marty) Caroline Blankenship, 86, of Grain Valley, Missouri passed away on Monday, April 28, 2025. Visitation is 10:00 a.m. Monday, May 5, 2025 at Royer Funeral Home, Grain Valley, Missouri. Funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions can be made to Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge – 239 Turpentine Creek Lane, Eureka Springs, AR 72632.

Marty was born April 26, 1939 in Bragg City, Missouri. Marty was happiest when she was surrounded by her large family; seven kids, grandkids, great grandkids, nieces and nephews, friends and her Price Chopper family (before she retired). She loved to travel, read about native American history, work crossword puzzles and paint. Marty’s bright blue eyes lit up every room.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Jess Blankenship; mother, Lois Schmitz; daughters: Karen Pyatt and Terry Mercado; siblings: Jean, Charles, Fred and Tony; and grandson, Curt.

Marty is survived by her children: Nancy, Connie, Laura, Gary and Shanda and their spouses; grandkids: Beverly, Elizabeth, Brandon, Breanna, Grace, Jimmy, Hannah, Sean Erin and Derek; great-grandkids; loving nieces and nephews and cherished friends.

Arrangements: Royer Funeral Home Grain Valley, MO 64075 816-847-4441

Charles Ray Harness of Independence, Missouri, passed away on Friday, April 25, 2025, at Saint Luke’s East Hospital in Lee’s Summit, Missouri, after a short illness. Funeral services will be Thursday, May 1, at Royer Funeral Home in Independence, Missouri. Visitation will be at 1 pm followed by services at 2 pm. Burial will follow services at New Salem Cemetery.

Charles was born on April 3, 1935, in Chicago. He had just celebrated his 90th birthday.

Charles graduated from Manual High and Vocational School in 1953. He attended Kansas City Metropolitan Junior College for two years and served in the US Army for two years. He was primarily stationed in Germany and traveled Europe extensively when he had free time.

Charles was interested in broadcast journalism at an early age, and began his career as a page at WDAF-TV, where he was mentored by local news icons Randall Jessee and Walt Bodine. He went on to work at radio and TV stations in Portsmouth, Ohio; Great Bend, Kansas; and Kansas City, Kansas. Charles was also News Director of KCAU-TV in Sioux City, Iowa, where he was a well-known TV personality and was considered a local institution. 

Respected as a broadcaster and a mentor, Charles was active in the community and served as President of the Greater Sioux City Press Club.

Charles later used his communication skills as the Media Relations Manager and spokesperson for Iowa Beef Processors (IBP) in Sioux City from 1976 until 1983. After a brief stint as President of an advertising agency in Sioux City, Charles joined the National Pork Producers Council in Des Moines, Iowa. As Vice President of Communications for the Council, he was part of the group that popularized the phrase “the other white meat.”

After retirement, Charles returned to the Kansas City area and lived at Lakewood in Lee’s Summit. He helped to care for his parents, Morris and Betty Harness of Independence, Missouri. Later Charles moved to independent senior living at The Gardens at Jackson Creek in Independence. Active until the end, he produced monthly musical programs for the residents that were very popular.

He was preceded in death by parents Morris and Betty Harness, sister Peggy Harness, and great-niece Olivia Harness-Clark.

Charles is survived by his brother Thomas Harness (Janet); his nieces Amanda Leigh (Mike), Kate Harness, and Mary Baack (Thomas); and his great-nephew Griffin Harness-Clark.

Memorial contributions may be made to the organization of your choice.

Obituary submitted by the family.

Royer’s New Salem Funeral Home ~ Independence, MO (816) 796-8600

Rebecca “Beckie” Renae Ballard, 62, of Blue Springs, Missouri, passed away peacefully at her home on Friday, April 25, 2025, surrounded by her children and loved ones.

A visitation will be held from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. on Friday, May 2, 2025, at Royer Funeral Home in Grain Valley, Missouri. A celebration of life and time of sharing will follow at 2:30 p.m., also at the funeral home.

Born on May 5, 1962, in Kansas City, Missouri, to Dwayne Nuttall and Doris J. Adams, Beckie was a devoted mother, daughter, sister, and friend. She found her greatest joy and calling in caring for children. After the birth of her youngest son, she opened her own daycare business, which she ran for 25 years with compassion and dedication. Known affectionately as “Nanny,” she nurtured and shaped the lives of countless children, many of whom remained in touch with her long after outgrowing her care.

Beckie had a zest for life and a heart full of love. She and her mother were not only mother and daughter but also best friends. Together, they taught country line dancing lessons, worked side by side in her mother’s flower business, shared many lucky nights at the casino, and enjoyed warm summer days around the pool. Beckie had a wide range of passions. She never missed an episode of Survivor or a Kansas City Chiefs game, and she could talk on the phone for hours—especially with her daughter McKendra. She found joy in music, playing the piano, and listening to her father’s guitar. She cherished going to concerts with her daughters—311, Fleetwood Mac, and Kid Rock among her favorites—and was always ready for an adventure, particularly to Florida and New Orleans. Beckie was a prankster at heart, and her son Kody was often both her partner and her playful adversary in many memorable prank wars. Family dinners were filled with laughter and delicious food, from her famous tacos to her beloved fried green tomatoes. She especially treasured going out for fancy dinners and never passed up a slice of cheesecake.

Rebecca was preceded in death by her parents, Dwayne and Doris, and her brother, Dennis Moretine.

She is survived by her husband, Kendall Ballard, of the home; her children: Amy Turner (Brad), Carlton Rice, McKendra Ballard, and Kody Ballard (Aubree), all of Blue Springs; stepdaughters: Ashley Ballard of Kearney, and Cassie Ballard of Independence; six cherished grandchildren: Sydne, Mason, Emilio, Enrique “Javi,” Luna, and Mia; her sister, Deborah Doyle of Independence; and her beloved dog, Wizz.

Beckie’s life was one of deep love, strong faith, boundless energy, and joyful mischief. She leaves behind a legacy of warmth, humor, and unwavering devotion to family. Her memory will continue to shine brightly in the hearts of all who knew her.

Arrangements: Royer Funeral Home Grain Valley, MO 64075 816-847-4441

Charles Edward “Ed” Bell, 82, of Blue Springs, Missouri, passed away on Wednesday, April 23, 2025.  Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 3rd, at First Baptist Church of Grain Valley, Grain Valley, MO, with Visitation from 11:00am – 12:00pm, Service at 12:00pm, followed by a Celebration of Life in the church gymnasium. 

Ed was born November 5, 1942 in Harrisonville, Missouri, the son of Charley R. and Esther L. (Siemon) Bell.  He grew up as a farm boy in Harrisonville and Pleasant Hill.  He went to Kansas City Junior College while working in sales at Sears and Roebuck.  Ed was in the first senior graduation class from Southwest Baptist College in Bolivar, MO.  He pastored at Arcola Baptist Church in Arcola, MO while in college, then at Edinburg Baptist Church in Trenton, MO for 6 years, followed by Mt. Zion Baptist in Lee’s Summit, MO for 12 years, and finally at First Baptist Church of Grain Valley for 21 years, retiring in 2006.  Following his retirement, Ed worked for almost 10 years at Royer Funeral Home as an on-staff Pastor and eventually got his funeral director’s license.  

Known as Brother Ed, his ministry was majored on preaching, teaching, and building the local church.  He was a community minded servant to schools, sports teams, and community activities.  Ed was also a Chaplain for several Police Departments over the years.  He conducted revivals in Missouri and Illinois and has also been involved in mission trips to Jamaica and Puerto Rico.  He loved people and would do anything for anyone. 

Ed was an avid reader and had an extensive home library.  He enjoyed horses, dogs, old tractors, and old cars, and loved to hunt and fish. 

Ed is survived by his wife, Judy Bell of the home; 2 sons, Jonathan Bell and wife Suzi, of Oak Grove, MO, and Jeremy Bell of the home; 4 grandchildren: Chris, Skyler, Austin, and Adison; 4 great-grandchildren: Tesla, Robert, Turner, and Rayne; and sister, Mary Ann Blevins of Independence, MO.  He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Gayla Lou Sinclair. 

Arrangements:  Royer Funeral Home, Oak Grove, Missouri 

Nancy Irene Silvus, a beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully in her sleep on April 21, 2025, at the age of 85.  Born on September 16, 1939, Nancy lived a life rich with love, laughter, and cherished memories.  In accordance with her wishes, no formal services will be held, but her spirit will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

Nancy had a passion for flower gardening, finding joy in nurturing her plants and watching them bloom. Her love for the outdoors extended to fishing and hunting, where she created lasting memories with family and friends. A true homebody at heart, Nancy delighted in hosting visitors, filling her home with warmth and laughter.

In her younger years, Nancy shared her musical talents by singing in a band alongside her brother, a testament to her vibrant spirit and love for life. She had a special fondness for game shows, particularly “Wheel of Fortune” and “Jeopardy,” where her quick wit and knowledge shone through.

Christmas was a particularly joyous time for Nancy, as she enjoyed baking cookies and creating sweet treats that brought smiles to her family. Her hands were also skilled in crocheting, as she lovingly crafted blankets that provided warmth and comfort to those she loved.

Nancy was preceded in death by her parents Fred and Katherine (Narron) Blum, her sister Doris Harris, her brother Robert Blum, and her devoted husband Gerald Silvus. She leaves behind a legacy of love through her four daughters: Debby Shinabargar (Eric), Darla McFaddin, Rhonda McFaddin, and Mickie Gross (Mike). She was a proud grandmother to her grandchildren: Joshua O’Brien, Trey Bicknell (Bobbie), Rhiannon Haskin, Monica Fortner (Zach), Aaron Manley (Stevie), Bobby Price (Lindsay), Kaleb Haskin and her great-grandchildren: TJ, Quintan, John, Tripp and Brycen. She is also remembered fondly by one nephew and three nieces, and a host of friends who lovingly knew her as “Bag-o”.

Nancy’s gentle spirit, unwavering love, and joyful laughter will be deeply missed but never forgotten. Her legacy of kindness and warmth will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing her. 

Arrangements:  Royer Funeral Home, Oak Grove, Missouri

Judith A. Miller-Couldry, 86, of Kansas City, Missouri passed away on Monday, April 21, 2025 at home surrounded by 4 generations of her loving family.  A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 p.m – 4:00 p.m. Monday, May 12, 2025 at Refuge Church, 2200 N Blue Mills RD, Independence, Missouri 64058. Contributions may be made in Judith’s memory to hillcresthope.org.

Judith was born on January 1, 1939 in Danville, Illinois to Robert and Alma Dean (Powell) Neild. She was the kind of person who made strangers feel like family — a true mom to everyone. With a quick wit and a deep love for people, Judith spent many years working in customer service, where her line was always the longest — not because it was slow, but because people waited just to see her smile.

She met the love of her life, Ragene Couldry, while working at Hen House, and the two shared 15 wonderful years together. Judith had a magnetic personality — she was the life of the party, the one with the unforgettable toast, the Chiefs and Royals fan cheering the loudest, and the woman who always got the last laugh.

She was preceded in death by her parents, the father of her children, Joseph W. Miller, 2 sisters, a son and a daughter, 3 grandchildren: Robert “Bobby Joe” Boyle, Alie Mahoney and Kaitlin Branch, and her parrot, Sporty and dog, Laddie.

She is survived by her loving family: husband, Ragene; daughters: Gyelene Miller Estes (Kevin), Sheila Miller VanAvery (Glenn), Kristal Miller Trauthwein (Tony), Shannon Miller (Fiancé Jeff Tharp), Ragena Couldry Reed (Randy), 17 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great-grandchildren and sisters: Andra Waugh, Deanna Graves, and brother, David Stroud.

Arrangements: Royer’s New Salem Funeral Home, Independence, Missouri

On Sunday, April 20, 2025, Karen Lee DellaRocco, 84, of Grain Valley, Missouri, was gently called home to be with the Lord. Having endured and triumphed over three separate battles with cancer, Karen’s earthly journey ended following a fourth and final trial. Her passing on Easter Sunday was a testament to her unshakable faith and God’s perfect timing.

Born on June 10, 1940, in Webster, MA, to John B. Jr. and Hilda (Aro) Deveau, Karen was one of four children. She had a younger brother, John “Richie” Deveau, and two older sisters, Edith Choiniere and Joyce Pariseau. As a young girl, Karen worked on a dairy farm. After graduating from Oxford High School in 1959, she worked at a shoe factory and later began a career in clerical work.

At 26, she met the love of her life, Ralph “Rocky” DellaRocco Jr. They were married on March 4, 1967, and together they raised their six children in Schenectady, NY. Karen enjoyed ceramics and crafts during this time.

After retiring from the state of New York, Karen and Rocky moved to Florida, where they enjoyed the sunshine, sea, and simple pleasures of life. Whether strolling through flea markets, collecting seashells, or casting a line from the pier, their days were filled with quiet joy.

In their later years, after each had faced their own battles with cancer, they moved to Grain Valley, MO. There, they found a new community, became proud fans of the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals, enjoyed meeting friends for breakfast club at Sandy’s, and of course…El Maguey trips!

Karen and Rocky were married for 49 years before his passing. The Lord surrounded Karen with a circle of “faith friends” through a church grief group who lifted her up and helped renew her spirit. Her Sundays were joyfully spent worshiping at Faith United Methodist Church. Karen loved attending Bible study, and playing BINGO at Young at Heart.

Karen enjoyed weekend family dinners and warm summer days poolside. She continued her love of crocheting gifts for her loved ones, especially her famous “scrubbies” and baby blankets, which now cover loved ones from the Midwest to the east coast. She enjoyed watching murder mystery shows (especially NCIS and Bones), chatting online and texting with friends, and listening to K-Love radio. Karen was always quick with a smile and an “I love you” to brighten your day.

Karen was preceded in death by her parents and siblings, her husband Rocky, her grandson Kevin Roberts, her son-in-law Wayne Roberts, and many dear friends and family who have gone before her.

Karen leaves behind so many loved ones.
Her six children: Mark Bishop of Ft. Wayne, IN, Ralph DellaRocco (Michelle) of New York, Tina Silvernail (John) of Greenville, NC, Dawn Smith (Rick) of Oak Grove, MO, Lori Roberts of New Port Richey, FL, Ronald “Ronnie” DellaRocco (Margaret) of Cape Coral, FL.

She is also survived by numerous cousins, twenty grandchildren, twenty-six great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild expected soon, and many loving friends.

Karen was deeply grateful for the loving care that “her girls” from One Community Hospice gave her. Karen’s family will be forever thankful to them for being her Guardian Angels on Earth.

Though her battle was lost, her victory was won. She will be missed, but we know she is celebrating in Heaven, surrounded by those who have been patiently awaiting her homecoming.

A celebration of Karen’s life and faith will be held on Sunday, April 27, 2025, at 1:00 PM at her church home, Faith United Methodist Church in Grain Valley, MO. In honor of her Easter homecoming, guests are encouraged to wear their Easter best. A reception will follow, lovingly hosted by the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to The American Cancer Society or One Community Hospice, in support of others who continue their battles, or Faith United Methodist Church of Grain Valley, MO.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”
— 2 Timothy 4:7

Obituary submitted by the family

Arrangements: Royer Funeral Home Grain Valley, MO 64075 816-847-4441

Barbara Louise Holzenthal, 64, of Independence, Missouri, passed away on Sunday, April 20, 2025 at her home following a lengthy illness. A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, April 26, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. at the Sibley Community Building, Sibley, Missouri. 

Barbara was preceded in death by her first husband, Dean Brown, and her second husband, Jerry Holzenthal.

She is survived by her son, Chad Davis of Independence, MO; her sisters, Kathleen Davis of Fayetteville, AR, Nancy (Gary) Summers of Kearney, MO, and Laura Galvin; as well as her nieces, nephews, half-brother, and half-sisters. She will be remembered with love and deep affection by her family and all who knew her.

Obituary submitted by the family.

Arrangements: Royer’s New Salem Funeral Home ~ Independence, MO (816) 796-8600

Diana Lynn Campbell, 77, of Independence, Missouri passed away on Saturday April 19, 2025. Per her request, there is no service or memorial planned. 

Diana was born April 30, 1947 in Independence, Missouri to Leonard Ray and Mellie Marjean (Kittrell) Curtis.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, William John Campbell, and one brother, James Curtis.

Diana is survived by her 2 sons: Darin Henderson of Blue Springs, Missouri, and Chris Page of Independence, Missouri; brother, Leonard Curtis; 3 grandchildren, several great grandchildren and extended family members.

Obituary submitted by the family.

Arrangements: Royer’s New Salem Funeral Home, Independence, MO (816) 796-8600